Fact or Fiction: Anti-aging Foods

Even if you're not one of those people who has every wrinkle cream and anti-aging product under the sun, chances are you'd like to look a little younger, right? At the very least, you probably do want to avoid looking older than you are, and increasing your life span probably sounds like a good idea, too. Luckily, there's an easy way to do it, and you don't have to be high-maintenance or spend all your money. It's all about the food you eat! Take our quiz to discover how you can fight the aging process simply by adding a few nutrient-packed goodies to your diet.

Start Quiz »

You scored

0 out of 10

Question 1 of 10

Most experts pinpoint omega-3 fatty acids as the key to fighting aging.

fact

fiction

Neither -- although selenium is close. Selenium is an antioxidant: a substance found in food that destroys free radicals, which are chemically unstable compounds that damage cells in the body. Cell damage is the cause of many signs of aging, including wrinkles, lines and sagging skin.

almost fact: Omega-3 fatty acids are great, but selenium is better.

Question 2 of 10

Vitamin A is one of the most important antioxidants.

fact

fiction

almost fact: A is great, but E is more versatile.

Vitamin E is an anti-aging powerhouse. In addition to making free radicals inactive, it can actually protect cells from damage.

Question 3 of 10

Vitamin C, lycopene and beta-carotene are all excellent antioxidants.

fact

Keep that lycopene on the list! That's what is found in tomatoes.

fiction

almost fact: That's true, minus the lycopene.

Question 4 of 10

Whole-grain bread has more antioxidants than white bread does.

fact

Yes, whole-grain products do pack more antioxidants than those made with refined flour.

fiction

almost fact: Whole-grain bread is healthier than white bread, but it's not because of antioxidants.

Question 5 of 10

Avocados contain a lot of useful anti-aging vitamins and minerals, but their high fat content cancels out those benefits.

fact

fiction

Avocados are amazingly healthy, no matter how fatty (and it's monounsaturated fat, which is good for your cholesterol). They're high in the antioxidant vitamin E and potassium, and they contain 20 other important vitamins and minerals.

almost fact: Actually, the only useful anti-aging vitamin in avocados is vitamin B.

Question 6 of 10

B complex vitamins are great for keeping your digestive organs running smoothly, which is one battle in the fight against aging.

The residents of Yuzuri Hara, Japan, have an unusually high life expectancy. According to a story on '20/20,' the reason is vitamin E.

fact

fiction

almost fact: The reason is hyaluronic acid.

Ten percent of the population of Yuzuri Hara, Japan, is 85 or older (as opposed to only 1 percent in the United States). The villagers' diets are unusually heavy on root vegetables, which are a good source of hyaluronic acid.

Question 10 of 10

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent heart disease.

fact

fiction

almost fact: Add these to the list -- and strengthen the brain's synapses, and decrease symptoms of depression, and ease joint pain, and help skin problems ...

Omega-3 fatty acids do seem to have it all -- fish and walnuts are two excellent sources.